Genesis 49:9-10, The Voice
Judah is a lion cub; my son, who rises from the prey,
Who crouches down and stretches out like a lion,
and like a lioness—who dares to rouse him?
The scepter will not depart from Judah;
the ruler’s staff will rest securely between his feet.
Until the One comes to whom true royalty belongs,
all people will honor and obey him.

Revelation 5:1-5, The Voice
And then I saw a scroll in the right hand of the One seated upon the throne, a scroll written both on the inside and on the outside. It had been sealed with seven seals. Then a mighty heavenly messenger proclaimed with a loud voice,

Mighty Messenger: Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?

No creature of creation in all heaven, on all the earth, or even under the earth could open the scroll or look into its mysteries. Then I began to mourn and weep bitterly because no creature of creation was found who was worthy to open the scroll or to look into its mysteries. Then one of the elders consoled me.

One of the 24 Elders: Stop weeping. Look there—the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David. He has conquered and is able to break its seven seals and open the scroll.

Be sure to check out this wonderful article discussing the background of Isaac’s son Judah and how it informs the symbolism of the Lion of Judah.

Jealousy is brutal and cruel. It turns the hearts of Jacob’s sons against bone of their bone, flesh of their flesh, their younger brother, Joseph. “Let us kill him. Let us sell him into slavery.” They argue and plot as Joseph is lost to Egypt.

Years pass. Jacob grieves. Famine comes. Only Egypt has food. A disguised Joseph and his unseeing brothers are brought together again. He tests them, hoping for change. Will the brothers again betray a brother in order to better themselves? Will they allow Jacob’s new favorite son, Benjamin, to be lost to Egypt?

Judah steps forward. Something has changed. He will take punishment. He will take the place of his brother Benjamin in slavery. Judah claims his place as his brother’s keeper. Judah’s selfishness and jealousy and violence are conquered by compassion and sacrifice and genuine love.

Jesus, the Lion of Judah, the Eternal King, conquers all sin for all time in the same way.

Selected lyrics from The Lion and the Lamb by Big Daddy Weave
Our God is the Lion, the Lion of Judah
He’s roaring with power and fighting our battles
And every knee will bow before You
Our God is the Lamb, the Lamb that was slain
For the sin of the world, His blood breaks the chains
And every knee will bow before the Lion and the Lamb
Oh every knee will bow before the Lion and the Lamb

Prayer
Hallelujah to Jesus!
You conquer evil with compassion and sacrifice
We bow before you and your powerful love

Hallelujah to Jesus!
You alone are worthy to reveal the mysteries of God
We await your word and desire to do your will

Hallelujah to Jesus!
True royalty belongs to you, forever and for always
We raise our song to honor and adore you

Jesus, Lion of Judah, make us courageous
Courageous enough to see our sin
Courageous enough to confess and change
Courageous enough to love our brothers and sisters and neighbors
Courageous enough to speak and sacrifice for their good

Show us and strengthen us and send us out, Holy One
that your Kingdom may come on earth as it is in heaven, Amen

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Thank you for setting aside times this Holy Season to seek the One we celebrate.

Jesus, The Coming Messiah is an Advent Bible Reading Plan highlighting the Old Testament prophesies and passages which Christians see fulfilled in Jesus.

As you read each passage, consider how this description of Jesus the Messiah reveals his character, motivation, and purpose. How does this description inspire you to trust Jesus and his promises? How will you apply and share what you have discovered? I look forward to your comments.

If you’re in Sarasota, please drop by Trinity United Methodist Church for one of our seasonal events or services or just to say, “Hi.” You’re always welcome and wanted.